Your Future In Restaurants Starts Here

We are dedicated to changing lives and uplifting communities.

The Educational Foundation empowers people from all backgrounds with the training and education they need to secure a better future.

We do this through the vast opportunities offered in the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industry.

HOPES Re-entry Program Expansion

HOPES participants Industry Skills Tour with MOD Pizza

Our HOPES (Hospitality Opportunities for People (re)Entering Society) program is expanding! The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded the NRAEF a $4 million grant to continue our efforts to train justice-involved individuals for jobs and careers in the restaurant industry through HOPES.

With these funds, we will be launching new HOPES sites in four states: Delaware, Michigan, Ohio, and Texas.

Read our Press Release
Learn more about HOPES

Restaurants Advance!

With support from Constellation Brands, we have launched a new national fundraising initiative to help current and future restaurant workers access the education and training they need to put their job or career back on track.

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100% of every dollar donated supports the NRAEF's mission to empower and advance today’s and tomorrow’s restaurant workers. The work of the NRAEF includes offering scholarships to anyone building a future in restaurants; helping our military transition into the industry; providing apprenticeships and building pathways to independence for justice-involved youth through job skills training and mentoring.

NRAEF News

Six NRAEF Scholarship Recipients to be Awarded $25,000 on Guy’s Restaurant Reboot

On June 12th, tune in to Guy's Restaurant Reboot, a primetime special hosted by Guy Fieri. Guy’s Restaurant Reboot will provide guidance and inspiration to the next generation of restaurant owners as well as $300,000 in bottom-line financial support via the "Help Rebuild Restaurants Grant." Created in partnership between Guy Fieri, NRAEF, and the California Restaurant Foundation, the scholarships and grants will be distributed to 11 winners–six NRAEF Scholars and five California restaurateurs–live on the show.

Learn More & Watch The Livestream on 6/12

Celebrating Pride Month with “TransCanWork” Founder Michaela Mendelsohn

As we kick off #PrideMonth, the National Restaurant Association’s OrderUp podcast features Transgender activist and restaurateur Michaela Mendelsohn, a former NRAEF Faces of Diversity Award Winner. In the episode, Michaela discussed her mission to help restaurant owners create more inclusive spaces for both employees and customers.

Listen to the “PRIDE in the Restaurant Industry” episode here.

#StrongerTogether: PepsiCo Commits More Than $1,000,000 to Asian American Community Amid Pandemic Setbacks and Increased Race-Based Attacks

Recognizing the devastating business and social impact to the Asian American community over the past year, PepsiCo and The PepsiCo Foundation announced a $1,000,000 commitment to provide support in partnership with the Asian American Business Development Center, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, the National Restaurant Association, and The Asian American Foundation.

Read the Press Release

Select the best option for you:

New to the restaurant industry Currently in the restaurant industry Educators or Instructors Military Employers

Advance your career with education, training and certifications.

Scholarships

Since 1987, we’ve helped nearly 2,000 students with merit-based undergraduate scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $10,000.

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Apprenticeships

Come join the first-ever apprenticeship program developed specifically for restaurant, food service, and hospitality.

Find Out How

Certifications

Whether you want to get ServSafe certified or become a Certified Secondary Foodservice Educator, we have you covered.

Educator Certification

Be A Changemaker

Support our mission to feed dreams and build futures in the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industry. 100% of every dollar you donate will directly support the mission of the Foundation.

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